DHS Employees,
Tomorrow marks the Department of Homeland Security’s 22nd anniversary. Less than two years after the horrendous attacks of September 11, 2001, DHS was formed to protect all Americans. While the tragedy has forever changed us, it has also positioned us to be more prepared, more resilient, and more resolved than ever before to keep our homeland secured.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, DHS is there. By air, land, sea, or in cyberspace, the DHS workforce boldly confronts the threats our nation faces every day. We are working diligently to safeguard the southern border, reform our broken immigration system, help Americans in the face of natural disasters, and prevent cyber security and terror threats. Our mission could not be achieved without your extraordinary courage and commitment.
As we settle into a new battle rhythm as a Department, we are already seeing achievements. Under President Trump our brave men and women in ICE, Border Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard have been empowered to use common sense to do their jobs effectively. ICE arrests of criminal aliens have doubled, and arrests of fugitives at large have tripled. Daily border encounters have plunged 94%. CBP recently encountered the lowest number of apprehensions in a single day in over 15 years. Learn more about what we have accomplished.
As we look toward the future, I thank you in advance for all you have done, and will continue to do, in advancing our mission. Your service is a testament of all we have accomplished since the Department’s inception.
Together, we can ensure that the United States remains a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.
Kristi Noem
Secretary of Homeland Security